Dayton man kicks off city commission campaign

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Darryl Fairchild took the stage before a group of friends, supporters and voters at Dayton Cultural and RTA Transit Center Thursday.  The 46-year-old Democrat is running for one of two seats open on Dayton's city commission in 2013.

"I believe I can bring some new ideas to Dayton," said Fairchild.  "I'm bringing a proven record of accomplishment and a style of leadership."

Darryl believes the city of Dayton's strongest asset is its people, and biggest weakness, its past.

"As a career pastor and community organizer, I believe we need to shake off what we have and rediscover who we are going to be," said Fairchild.

Darryl knows a thing or two about rediscover.  He was involved in a biking accident while training for a triathalon at age 26.  He was paralyzed and wheelchair bound.

"While I haven't been in the exact same situations as others, I've been in familiar places and I think that helps me better understand my neighbors in ways that are helpful," said Fairchild. 

Darryl's undying integrity is what grabbed Dayton resident and American Red Cross employee, Mark Hunt's, support.

"I found him to be an honest, hard working person," said Hunt. 

Montgomery County Board of Elections member Rhine McLin was also in the crowd.  The former Dayton city mayor was going to run for Dayton commission, but opted out after earning a spot on the board. .

"I think that Darryl brings a different perspective that freshness to the council race," said McLin.

Fairchild has obtained approximately 350 of the 500 signatures needed by March to be considered an official candidate.